Seven-Year Pen

Yes, I think a pen counts as cycling gear. If you are like me, and write or draw during your rides, you appreciate a good pen.

http://seltzergoods.com/The-Seven-Year-Pen-c3/

This lil' booger cost $7 at my LBS (local independent book store). Made in Switzerland (instead of China). Along with it I got a nice faux Moleskine notebook made in USA (instead of China... and if you didn't know Moleskine is now made in China, I'm quite sorry to have to burst your bubble.) http://ecosystemlife.com/

Ink: Standard black ink in a medium ball-point. Very similar in feel to a Pilot BP-S/Dr. Grip refill medium point. Smooth and non-skipping and non-clumping. Doesn't smear if you drag your hand over your writing, either. If you get it wet and rub like heck, you can get it to shed a bit of color, but the writing remains clear and distinct. The color is a fairly rich black, not at all anemic.

Barrel: The barrel is smooth, and about the same diameter as a Pilot BP-S. The nib portion is again similar to a Pilot BP-S. You twist the barrel to release the ball point. In the un-released state the pen rattles a bit, with no rattle at all when the ball-point is out and writing... which would drive me crazy as I use the pen, so that is good.

Barrel Colors: There are several, and with a variety of spiffy decorations. I bought a rather plain pen, but was sorely tempted by the red pen with the gold bee on the clip-hinge and the gold flowers on the clip. I thought of BleeckerStGirl when I saw it.

Weight: Nice weight. Not heavy like a Pilot Dr. Grip, but not too light either. Kind of like a Mont Blanc fountain pen. The nib end is heavier than the clip end, with a balance point about 2/5 from the nib. Very comfortable to write with.

Last for Seven Years? HeckifIknow. Ask me in 2018. Assuming I haven't misplaced the pen by then.